Welcome to the SAILs

The South Austin Inner Lights (SAIL) Pathfinder Club, founded in 2009, is part of the two million member worldwide Pathfinder organization. Pathfindering is open to youth in grades 5-12, and provides a healthy combination of physical and mental exercise, coupled with a focus on service and placed within a spiritual framework, to build strong leaders from our youth.

Pathfindering is more than just a joining a club for camping and outdoor activities. Within its Pledge is the commitment to be a Servant of God and a Friend to Man. Service plays a strong role in Pathfindering; in the church and in the community. Pathfinders are encouraged to learn first aid and rescue skills, to take part in community service projects, and to take a role in spreading God’s love through their words and actions. A true spirit of service creates true leaders.

We appreciate your visit,

Rodger Baker, Director
South Austin Inner Lights (SAIL) Pathfinder Club

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A Brief History of the SAILS

The SAIL (South Austin Inner Lights) Pathfinder Club was founded in the Autumn of 2009 with a charter membership of 16 Pathfinders and 10 staff. Prior to the SAILs, many of its members and staff were part of a joint Austin area club, the Austin Knights (now based in Pflugerville, TX), formerly known as the Austin Avalanche. Even earlier, beginning in the 1980s, we were called the Austin Explorers (and we still have an original staff member in our club today!) 

The club name, South Austin Inner Lights (SAIL), was chosen by the Pathfinders in 2009. The reason for the name is myriad. The Austin South Seventh-day Adventist Church, which hosts the club, is referred to as The Lighthouse, two founding staff enjoyed sailing, the idea of sailing represents the idea of adventure and exploration, and the full name (South Austin Inner Lights) reflects the role we have as God's children to share our inner light. Thus our club logo includes text Matthew 5:14-16.

SAIL Pathfinders spend time outdoors, take part in disaster response and community service projects, participate in wilderness cleanup operations, learn first aid, hike, camp, canoe and kayak, backpack, and learn to lead through action. SAIL activities provide ample opportunities for youth to grow and develop physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. The SAILs have traveled to Wisconsin and Wyoming, explored vast swaths of Texas, field-dressed a broken arm, replanted an area devastated by wildfires, served the unhoused, built bird houses, learned robotics, cooked meals over campfires, preached sermons, made tamales, slept at a zoo, and been recognized as a Texas Conference Diamond Club two years in a row (and counting).

As we continue to grow, we are looking forward to the opportunity to take a more active role in Austin and Central Texas, to explore our region and state, and to enjoy learning together as we embark on new adventures. 

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Pathfinders: 75 Years and Still Going Strong

2025 is the diamond jubilee of the Pathfinder organization, formally established back in 1950. But the origins of the Pathfinder program traces back to at least the first decade of the 20th Century, with the promotion of the Missionary Volunteer (MV) and Junior Missionary Volunteer (JMV) programs. In 1907, the first JMV Standard of Attainment was established, laying the early framework for the current Investiture Achievement classes. In 1922, the first two classes for youth (Friend and Companion) and the first two for leaders (Comrade and Master Comrade, later changed amid the Cold War to Guide and Master Guide) were formalized. 

Parallel to these developments, there was a growing interest in using camping and outdoor skills as a way to engage youth, with summer camps and small local youth clubs springing up by the 1920s. The name “Pathfinder” was first associated with one such camp in California in 1929, taken from retellings of the exploits of John C. Fremont, a 19th Century explorer of the U.S. West, whose nickname was The Pathfinder. In 1932, the first JMV Pathfinder Camp was established in Idyllwild, California, and in 1946 the first conference-sponsored Pathfinder Club was founded in Riverside, California, to carry on the activities and youth involvement of the summer camps year-round.

That same year, John H. Hancock (later World Pathfinder Director) designed the Pathfinder emblem, the shield and sword surrounded by a triangle, and two years later Helen Hobbs made the first Pathfinder flag. In 1949, Henry Bergh wrote the Pathfinder Song - “Oh We Are The Pathfinders Strong.” Then, in July 1950, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists approved and encouraged the formation of Pathfinder Clubs as a worldwide mission for youth. Since then, the Pathfinder program has grown to more than 2 million members worldwide, with more than 50,000 gathering together every five years for an International Pathfinder Camporee. 

You can read more about the history of the Pathfinder program in “The Pathfinder Story”

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SAIL Staff

All staff train in child and youth safety, undergo a background check, and engage in skills and knowledge development programs to ensure we provide physical and emotional safety and bring a robust set of capabilities to offer our youth ample opportunities to grow in self-confidence, capability, and leadership.  

Support the SAILs

The SAIL Pathfinder Club is supported solely by donations and membership dues. If you would like to help support our mission, you may donate at the following link - scroll down to the "Pathfinders" line item.

DONATE HERE

​Your donations are used to offset membership and activity costs for Pathfinders in need, go toward our service and outreach projects, and help the SAIL Pathfinder Club purchase and maintain equipment and gear, rent transportation, head out camping, and attend events and activities. We are training youth leaders, and appreciate your support!

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